PARA1006 Introduction to Medical Emergencies

This topic introduces the student to the fundamentals of emergency care of medical emergencies in the pre-hospital setting. Students explore major medical problems and relate these to abnormalities in physiology. Emergency care skills at a basic life support level are introduced, together with basic principles of pharmacology.

This topic aims to introduce the student to the complex arena of pre-hospital emergency care for patients with medical emergencies. The topic is divided into the following modules:

• Moral, ethical and legal considerations of paramedicine
• Scene Management
• Patient Interviews
• Patient Examination
• The Deteriorating Patient
• Introductory Pharmacology
• The Altered Mental Status Patient
• The Weak and Sick Patient
• The Short of Breath Patient
• The Patient With Chest Pain
• The Patient With Gastrointestinal Distress

1. Differentiate and discuss moral, ethical and legal considerations in the practice of paramedicine
2. Describe and demonstrate the ability to manage a pre-hospital scene
3. Describe and conduct a simulated patient interview
4. Describe and conduct a simulated patient examination
5. Explain the common causes of a deteriorating patient, and be able to explain and demonstrate appropriate treatment
6. Discuss the basic principles and practices of pharmacology as applied to paramedicine
7. Explain the common causes of a patient with altered mental status, and be able to explain and demonstrate appropriate treatment
8. Explain the common causes of a patient complaining of weakness, and be able to explain and demonstrate appropriate treatment
9. Explain the common causes of a patient with chest pain, and be able to explain and demonstrate appropriate treatment
10. Explain the common causes of a patient with gastrointestinal distress, and be able to explain and demonstrate appropriate treatment